The Distribution of the Grammatical Functions of the Subject
Xiong Zhong-ru · Waiguoyu · 2006
In Chomsky’s Standard Theory, subject is a derivative notion and it can be defined as [NP, S]. To explain the morphological and syntactical behaviors of so-called subjects, the author proposes that the grammatical functions (GFs) of the subject are borne by every element which is in Agreement with T. Theoretically, if only one element agrees with T, it will bear all GFs of the subject; if two or more elements agree with T, each element will bear partial GFs of the subject. For the former, the only element is Subject; for the latter, we are not certain which one is Subject. In view of this, the author suggests that the best solution is to accept GF-splitting.